Pakistan has once again extended the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for the Rahim Yar Khan airbase, confirming that the runway remains non-operational—a direct consequence of the Indian missile strike during Phase 2 of Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The closure is now extended until July 4, 2025, as per open-source intelligence (OSINT) expert Damien Saymon, who shared the update on X.
This is the second formal extension of the NOTAM, and it further underscores the scale of damage inflicted by the Indian Air Force’s precision strikes on May 7, which specifically targeted strategic military infrastructure deep inside Pakistani territory.
Background: Operation Sindoor – Phase 2
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Launched on May 7, 2025, Phase 2 of Operation Sindoor was India’s response to a series of Pakistani strikes on Indian military and civilian sites, including forward airbases and border villages.
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India responded with targeted attacks on key military facilities, including terror camps and strategic airbases like Rahim Yar Khan.
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The Rahim Yar Khan base, located in Pakistan’s Punjab province and co-located with its international airport, was struck to neutralise its operational capability without affecting civilian infrastructure.
Damage Assessment and Strategic Impact
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Post-strike satellite images and intelligence reports suggested severe structural damage, particularly to the runway, hangars, and fuel storage facilities.
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Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) initially issued a NOTAM for just one week, from May 10 to May 18.
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However, the latest extension to July 4 indicates ongoing repair challenges, likely due to:
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Extensive missile damage.
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Delays in logistics and infrastructure rebuild.
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Potential fear of renewed Indian air dominance or surveillance.
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Political and Military Messaging
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a rally shortly after the strike, mocked Pakistan’s crippled airbase, saying:
“Pakistan’s Rahim Yar Khan airbase is still in ICU, not sure when it will reopen.”
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This messaging served as a clear warning to Islamabad, highlighting India’s capability and willingness to degrade Pakistani military assets deep within its borders.
Broader Strategic Implications
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The Rahim Yar Khan base is vital for Pakistan’s air defence and logistics in southern Punjab and western flank coverage.
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Its continued closure indicates a serious degradation of operational readiness, affecting fighter deployment and surveillance capabilities.
Conclusion
The extended NOTAM for Rahim Yar Khan is not just a routine aviation notice—it’s a visible symbol of India’s strategic leverage following Operation Sindoor. The fact that the base is still offline nearly two months later is being seen by analysts as a significant tactical success for India and a persistent vulnerability for Pakistan. It also reflects the longer-term consequences of conventional precision warfare in the subcontinent’s evolving military doctrine.
